Midwest Overview - June, 2003

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During June 2003, the western and southeastern Midwest was considerably wetter than normal. Totals of more than 5 inches of rain were common in Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, and Kentucky (Figure 1). Only near the southern half of Lake Michigan were precipitation totals considerably below normal, reaching only 50% of normal in places (Figure 2). Kentucky had its 8th wettest June on record in 108 years, while Michigan had its 22nd driest June. Most of the Midwest received adequate moisture for crop growth, although the last weeks of the month were drier than the start of the month. June precipitation ranked 40th wettest for the Midwest region as a whole. More of a concern for farmers in June was the lack of growing degree days slowing crop progress. Temperatures in the southern Midwest were 3-5°F below normal for the month, while temperatures were closer to normal in the northern tier (Figure 3). This was the 23rd coldest June on record for the Midwest, and every state was below normal in temperatures. Kentucky had its 7th coldest June, and Missouri its 9th coldest June. Overall, though, crop quality ratings were very high for the month, and the slower than normal growth rate of the corn and soybeans was not a major concern. Dryness and some moderate drought continued to linger in northwestern Missouri at the end of the month, and some expansion of abnormally dry conditions was evident near Lake Michigan (Figure 4, National Drought Mitigation Center).